JeffWilson

My wife and I went to Bouley for dinner a week ago Sat night and it was fantastic. I will not give a detailed review, as much of it would be repeating previous reviews (e.g. LOVED the scallop-encrusted bass!), but everything we had was either wonderful or incredible. Noise was a bit of an issue as a table of 8 was nearby. And service was a bit spotty. Although the wait staff was very knowledgable, there were a few long delays between courses. And the wait to get the bill was approximately 20 minutes. That's a bit unacceptable. That said, however, does not mean we will not be returning. Minor gripes for a spectacular meal. True memories of the original Bouley (right down to the hit-or-miss service!). Go...you will not be disappointed.

One of the reasons my wife and I have always enjoyed going out to dinner in NYC, as opposed to some fine NJ restaurant, was the fact that you could get dressed up. But more and more over the years we have found that less people are even wearing a jacket (much less a suit) to dinner. One of the things that we really didn't like about Montrachet was seeing 2 people in polo shirts and khakis...and one in shorts!! I have a problem dropping $300 for dinner for 2 and seeing the guy next to me looking like he is eatingin McDonalds. I am wondering where people like to go for a dressy night out. I can only think of a few restaurants where EVERYONE is dressed nicely...Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Cirque, Bouley (the old one), and Le Bernardin. Anyone care to add to this list? Jeff

Thanks, and no...that was my only visit there. I am hoping to do a lunch there fairly soon...what kind of cheese is in the sandwich>? I imagine it is fantastic. Jeff

Well, I finally made it to Artisanal for dinner last Sat night. Here are my thoughts. We got there right on time, but had to wait 25 minutes to be seated. This, coincidentally, was the exact time it took us to pick a wine from the 150 (?) wines on the list, (all available by the glass) and to get it from the bartender. We were escorted to the far side of the room and were seated at one of the quietest tables there. But plesae don't think it was quiet. It was one of the noisier restaurants I have ever eaten in. I found that I wsa unable to clearly hear the person sitting diagonally across from me. The menu is fairly small, with just a few specials. Here is where I was first impressed with the wait staff. They seemed to have a very strong knowledge of every dish that we inquired about. We all had different appetizers, which I can only breifly talk about right now. Mussel were simple and huge and delicious. The beet salad with goat cheese was fantastic. For main courses I strongly suggest the scallops. It seems scallops are the new Chilean Sea Bass, but these were very fresh and simply perfect. The mussels served as a main were more than enough food for a hungry person. For dessert...cheese, anyone? Of course I don't need to go into the best cheese selection in NYC (or is that in the U.S.?). Short descriptions are needed, but once again the staff knows about ALL of the cheeses it seems. When the Zamorano was not available, the waiter was able to suggest a similar, suitable alternative. Also, there is a very nice and varied selection of after dinner wines. Ports (including a Colheitas! and a white port), mucats, sauternes, brandies, armagnacs, were all available. The most surprising thing to me about this restaurant wsa the outstanding service. As crowded and noisy as it is (and boy, is it ever!) the waiter was always available. He always noticed empty glasses and offered to get another glass of wine. He apologized for the cheese course taking a little longer than everything else took. He was outstanding. My only reservation would be the noise level. I understand it was a Saturday night, but I just thank God I had a quiet table. I suspect if I sat near the bar, it would have been unbearable. All in all, I give it a strong recommendation. I will be returning soon (but not before I try Bouley).

Wow, thanks for all the great comments. I will also be looking at Il Buco now. THe party is in Sept so I have LOTS of time. I was recently laid off so I needed something to do between (non-existent) interviews. Savoy seems to be leading but I think I should try both out. Bayard's gave a nice choice of 3 menus at different price levels which I liked. Savoy was a lot more vague. Bayard's has several private rooms available, while Savoy said that they would close their main dining room. Does Savoy have a party planner? The guy I spoke to didn't get very specific and that had me a bit nervous, but obviously there are several happy brides in here so they must do a great job. Thanks again to everyone for all their comments.

OK, I have narrowed my choices down to Savoy, Bayard's, and Blue Water Grill for my 40th birthday party. There will be 35 people and I don't want a place that's TOO noisy (not sure about the private room at Blue Water and if that is noisy). Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks very much in advance! Jeff

Stef Thanks...I know they have jazz and I asked about the noise and they said it wouldbe "no problem". Hmmm I am going to go there and try out some dishes and go into the "Vault" room and see how loud it is. Thanks again! jeff

Stefany, Thanks so much! I think I found a place in the Blue Water Grill. I have only read great things and the budget seems perfect. But ehn you said the "Tullieres" you caught my attention. I will ahve to chcek it out. Thanks again! Jeff

I will try this message once more, as I am really trying hard to find a good spot. I am having a party for my 40th birthday in September. I am looking for a nice place in NYC to have it. Approximately 40 people, maybe less. Budget is about $65-$75 per person, including wine. Any ideas? Any experiences? Thanks very much!

I have heard great things about Les Halles on Park Ave in the and 29th St. Keeping it to only $100 is tough. That rules out most of my favorite French spots. Daniel would be far far above $100 for dinner. It is one of the finest restaurants in the city, but would be over $300 (although worth every penny). If you are going to be in the theater district, there is a place called Pergola Des Artistes between Broadway and 8th Ave in the mid 40's (46th?). You can get away with under $100 there but it is quite crowded and noisy. The food was quite good and it may get less crowded after the theater starts. Jeff Wilson